[peepop]

I want to tell you all about the trip we just completed with Legendary Journeys to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival beginning on October 7, 2010. Firstly, we were dissatisfied with our Hotel (Hotel Grand Albuquerque). When we arrived we found that the hotel was in the middle of a complete renovation. Due to the renovation, there was considerable noise, dust and workers everywhere. The restaurant was closed and there are no restaurants within a reasonable distance. Also, when we arose at 4:30 AM for the mass ascension, no food was available. We are positive better accommodations could have been found.

Balloon Festival Mass Ascension: We arrived at the balloon field in plenty of time for the launching of the balloons, however, the problem was that the launch was delayed one hour resulting in our having to leave just as the ascent began in order to meet their very tight optional tour schedule, hence we did not get to see it except at a distance.

Optional Best of Albuquerque Sky City (Acoma): After and hour and a half drive, we finally arrived at the Sky City, only to find it was closed for some sort of Indian Ceremony. We were assured that we would see the museum and meet a Native American Guide. Neither happened, instead we were taken to a different museum (Cost to enter $5.50), After hanging out there for an hour or so, they finally loaded us on the bus to begin the Sandia Peak Sky Ride & Dinner Optional. Cost of this trip $79.00 per person to see a $5.50 museum. Bad Deal.

Optional World Famous Sandia Peak Sky Ride & Dinner. On arrival, we were required to sit on the bus for 2 hours waiting for the tour manager to obtain tickets. When she finally returned, it was already dark and we were able to see nothing except city lights (no better than from the hotel room). The tour manager told us that we could stay on top as long as we liked. Most stayed a reasonable time but three stayed up there for a very long time. Finally at 10:00 PM, we left for our dinner at the Sandia Casino for dinner. Since they were closing at 11:00PM most of the food was looking quite old and some complained about being cold. We didn’t arrive back at the hotel until after midnight. Cost of Trip $69.00 Bad Deal

Optional Scenic Grand Canyon Train While we did not schedule this optional, but we were required to sit on the bus for more than a half hour waiting for the tour manager to straighten out the messed up reservations that had our group going in the wrong direction. I believe they got that fixed.

Optional Las Vegas Illumination etc. I mistakenly scheduled this optional tour and immediately after making the reservation I call to cancel it. This request was emphatically denied and no wonder. We got to see the following, a free light show on Fremont Avenue, a free water show at the Rio Hotel, The dinner at the Rio was anything but special. I would compare to any other Buffet in Las Vegas. As to the masquerade we never saw it. Cost of this optional $89.00

Letters and phone calls have not been acknowledged. I would not travel with this outfit again under any circumstances.